Bransby to replace Gurry as HBF chief

The HBF today announced that Rob Bransby, HBF's group general manager, would be the new CEO-elect for Western Australia's largest member organisation.

HBF chairman Harvey Collins said Mr Bransby will assume the position of CEO upon managing director Mike Gurry's retirement early next year and both were working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.

"Mr Gurry's departure date is yet to be determined, as the board wishes to ensure a smooth transition by following a significant handover period," he said.

"We are very pleased with the appointment of Mr Bransby, who brings a wealth of finance and corporate experience to HBF.

"Mr Bransby is a highly regarded strategic planner and has nearly two decades of experience with financial organisations in both Western Australia and New South Wales, specifically with the National Australia Bank.

"The timing for the transition between Mr Gurry and Mr Bransby is ideal with HBF financially strong and well positioned for the development of new opportunities, such as a recently announced alliance with the Bank of Queensland.

"We have a very capable and committed Board and management team in place and I am confident we will build on HBF's success, while maintaining our core values and people-oriented culture."

Mr Collins said that while health insurance would remain at the heart of HBF, as a not for profit mutual organisation, HBF was committed to generating growth in other areas to counter growing health costs and reduce the pressure on health insurance premiums.

Mr Bransby has had responsibility for implementing HBF's diversification into financial services since joining HBF in October 2005.

HBF is launching home loans later this year, which will be the first of a suite of new financial services products designed to meet the needs of members and help them to protect and improve their financial wellbeing.

Prior to joining HBF, Mr Bransby was Chief Executive Officer of Medfin Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary company of the National Australia Bank.

"I have always respected HBF's 'people before profits' philosophy and caring service values, and I look forward to leading the organisation into the future," Mr Bransby said.

Mr Bransby has held a number of positions with NAB, including head of personal financial services, WA; head of business financial services, NSW; regional business manager, Fremantle WA; area manager WA and various branch manager positions.

Mr Gurry's plan to retire was announced in July 2006. He has headed HBF for the past 11 years and has overseen considerable change at HBF, which has significantly upgraded all aspects of the organisation.

HBF is a WA-based not for profit mutual organisation with more than 900,000 members. It is the largest health insurer in WA and has successful general insurance and financial planning businesses.